Dalby, Ellakate & Whitney Bjerken Bring Atlanta's Alt-Pop to an Intimate Acoustic Stage

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words and photos by Andrea Garcia

There is something unique and special about an acoustic show, something without a full

band, a big production or anything distracting, just an artist with guitar and a piano. That's what becomes the center of the evening, right? Just the artist's voices and the stories they are carrying. Well that is exactly what happened on July 18 at Eddie Owen’s present at Red Clay in the heart of Duluth, Georgia. Atlanta native artists Whitney Bjerken, Ella Kate and Dalby held an acoustic show that felt so intimate and warm. It did not feel like the audience was simply watching them perform. It felt like we were being invited into a more personal side of their music.

Right from the beginning you know you would be in for a treat, Whiney Bjerken started off the night on keys. Her performance focusing on vocals, piano and guitar created such a relaxing environment. Bjerken vocals are the one that make you stop talking and pay attention without the need to demand it. It was such a lovely way to begin the night and introduce the night to how the rest of the evening would play out.

Following such an opening was none other than EllaKate, with her original works and amazing vocals, but what made her performance stand out the most was how open she was regarding personal experiences that inspired her songs. She allowed the audience to see her vulnerability.

Something that I think made her set really sweet was that her father joined her

throughout her whole performance on keys, adding another layer of intimacy to her set. Getting the opportunity to see up close both of them perform together felt extremely personal. Almost as if the audience was allowed to witness something private or a moment that normally belongs between a father and daughter. Adding to this her vulnerability, her voice and the connection plus the trust that was noticeable made EllaKate’s performance one of the most emotional parts of the night

The set I was most excited for was Dalby. we got to hang out before the show and got to

ask her a few questions for an interview, personally one of her songs “hear it” has become my favorite and I asked if she was thinking about performing it, so later that evening when she broke it out to play, I was excited I was behind the audience running around with my camera singing along, behind able to hear such a song in an intimate setting really made the evening a lot more special.

Dalby also performed a cover of “cigarette smoke” on piano and shared with the

audience a live debut of her upcoming song ““Mr. Woulda Coulda Shoulda” her performance felt honest which absolutely went along with the vibe and atmosphere of the evening. Personally it was exciting to her a hear something new along side a song I’ve grown attached to.

The night ended with all three artist taking the stage together, it was a wonderful thing to

witness mostly with their rendition of Radiohead’s "Creep" and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”. The song choices plus the performances fit perfectly with the setting of the night.

Whitney Bjerken, Ella Kate and Dalby all brought something different to the stage, but

complemented one another so naturally while also showcasing their love, respect and

admiration for one another. In summary of the night, Whitney brought a smoothing and

comforting presence at the beginning, Ella Kate brought vulnerability and powerful storytelling, and Dalby brought an honest, conversational energy that made her music feel much more personal.

All three artists showcased not only their vocal talent but also their ability to connect with an audience. Their acoustic set at Red Clay allowed their songwriting, personalities and stories to stand on their own. It was a warm, intimate night filled with beautiful voices, personal moments and pure talent.